Lot Essay
With dumb-striking the depression of the button to the top rear of the case (where it is positioned to be above the hammers) activates a lever which holds the hammers back slightly, ensuring that they do not quite hit the gongs. Thus, when the dumb-striking button is used in conjunction with either of the repeat buttons only the vibration of the hammers is felt, this being sufficient to determine the time. The system was developed so that the traveller might learn the time in the dark without disturbing anyone else.